638-642 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The three-unit apartment building at 638-642 Hayes Street in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood, owned by Daniel C. Chang, has a complex history with significant renovation activity concentrated between 2010-2016. Originally built in 1890, this three-story multi-family residential building underwent major improvements in 2010-2014 including a comprehensive renovation of all three units, installation of new fire alarm and sprinkler systems, complete rewiring, window replacements, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and HVAC upgrades with new furnaces and tankless water heaters. Notable improvements included a $379,900 project in 2010 to address numerous code violations including staircase repairs, bathroom additions, window replacements, and sprinkler system installation, as well as a 2014 fire alarm system upgrade costing $25,000.

The building's electrical infrastructure was modernized with a 200-amp service installation in 2014. The property experienced several significant regulatory challenges, particularly between 2007-2014, including multiple Notices of Violation (NOV) for unpermitted work, including illegal removal of interior finishes and unauthorized window replacements. These violations were primarily addressed through the substantial renovation work completed in 2010-2014. The building was listed as vacant or abandoned in 2012-2013 before restoration work resumed. Recent years have seen relatively few building-specific issues, though there have been recurring reports of sidewalk cleanliness concerns near the property, with multiple 311 calls in 2024 regarding debris and waste on the adjacent public street/sidewalk areas.

The most recent major infrastructure work included a sewer line replacement in 2016, with various street space permits issued in recent years. The property's renovation history shows significant investment in upgrading building systems and addressing past violations, with all major building, plumbing, and electrical permits marked as complete. However, there were some issues with permit compliance during the renovation period, as evidenced by several complaints about construction activities and window replacements in 2014. The building's historical character has been a point of concern, particularly regarding window replacements as documented in multiple complaints and planning records from 2014. Recent records indicate that all major building systems have been updated and that there have been no significant building violations or complaints in recent years, though the frequency of street cleaning reports in 2024 suggests ongoing challenges with the public areas adjacent to the property.